Katikati News

Stars aligning Stars aligning

He’s Māori and he’s nine She’s seven and she’s Pakeha. Katikati residents Pewee Tewhakaara-Matangi and Eden Cave are looking forward to their whole community coming together tonight, June 19, and tomorrow morning, June 20, to celebrate Matariki

At 5pm tonight, June 19, Te Rereatukahia Marae is hosting the ‘Reading of the Stars’ – an event for everybody and anybody to gather and listen to Ngairo Eruera and Haimona Brown, who will help us connect and understand the star cluster Pleiades.

Then the following morning, at 5.30am, Friday, June 20, the third Katikati Matariki Dawn service will take place at Te Whareorahi Reserve at the end of Park Road. The community is invited to come along, huddle around braziers and wait for Matariki to rise just above the horizon

in the eastern sky just before dawn. Event-goers are encouraged to utilise a free park-and-ride service which will operate from Katikati Primary School to the Park Rd reserve from 5am onwards

Waihī Beach library closes to move to new space

Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre is preparing to turn the page on an exciting new chapter, as the team gets ready to move into a much larger, modern, purpose-built space

In preparation for the move, the current library closed temporarily at 2pm Wednesday, June 18, until the opening of the new library – Te Ara Mātauranga – on Tuesday, July 1.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council general manager strategy and community

Rachael Davie said the short closure period will allow time to move everything across to the new building, which is on the same site as the existing library

Serve growing needs

During this time, the loan system has been configured so that no books or other items will be due back until the new library opens – in the meantime, people are encouraged to hold on to them, said Davie. “We’re incredibly excited to be moving into a space that will better serve the growing needs of our community,”

Davie said

“This new facility gives us so much more room and flexibility to offer a wider range of programmes, events, and services for all ages – a future-proofed space that puts function and community needs first, without unnecessary bells and whistles.”

The new 400m2 library and service centre will be four times bigger than the current library, and will be open 43 hours a week, compared to the current 23 hours.

Davie said this brings it in line with council’s three other library and service

centres, in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Katikati “It will be staffed by a customer services supervisor, two customer services representatives and a community engagement librarian, who will be working across all age groups ”

The space will include two large meeting rooms with a moveable wall, one smaller meeting room, public computers and free wi-Fi, dedicated reading spaces, “bring your own device” workspaces, and a table for activities such as crafts and puzzles. It will also feature artworks both inside and outside that are interwoven with storytelling elements gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao, connecting the building to

Ōtāwhiwhi Marae and the coastal nature of Waihī Beach.

A blessing will be held July 1 at 10am to mark the opening, and people will be able to step inside the new space from 2pm. “It’s going to very special day for the community and we look forward to welcoming everyone into this new space to enjoy and make their own, ” said Davie. “We know how much the library means to so many locals – it’s a place for connection, learning, creativity and wellbeing. We can ’ t wait to open the doors and start this exciting new chapter together” For details, visit: yourplace. westernbay.govt.nz/te-ara-matauranga

Waihī Beach School students visited the newly-built Te Ara Mātauranga. Photo / Supplied

A town comes together

He’s Māori and he’s nine. He will certainly be there. “It’s really good because it’s bringing heaps of people together.”

She’s seven and she’s Pakeha. She will definitely be there gazing into the night sky “Because it’s to remember the loved ones we have lost. And then look forward to the Māori New Year” Pewee Te Whakaara-Matangi and Eden Cave, both pupils at Katikati Primary School, symbolise a community coming together for Matariki which marks the rising of the star cluster Pleiades in the winter sky

In Māori culture it’s the beginning of the New Year – a time for reflection, remembrance, celebration, a time of renewal. It’s celebrated by all New Zealand and particularly here in Katikati, and particularly Pewee and Eden.

And they ask you to join them at the Te Rereatukahia Marae at 5pm tonight, June 19, for ‘Reading of the Stars’, when Ngairo Eruera and Haimona Brown will help us connect and understand the cluster which will rise in the eastern sky just before dawn tomorrow

Pewee and Eden and a couple of hundred others of all backgrounds will huddle in the chill to listen and learn where to look and what to look for in the new dawn.

Empowering

There have been ‘Reading of the Stars’ events before – but this is the first to be held at its natural home in Katikati, the Te Rereatukahia Marae on Rereatukahia Pa Road at the southern end of town. “When our marae has a platform to be seen and heard, that is alone empowering for us, ” said the marae ’ s chairman Hone Winder-Murray.

It also means a lot of people of who’ve never been to a marae, and are curious, will get the opportunity, and the experience

A star map of the night sky will be laid out on the ground for people to reference – all part of the viewing and understanding And there will be other activities for kids

Then, the following morning, at 5 30am, June 20, there’s the moment – the third Katikati Matariki Dawn service Rug

up well and take Katikati’s Park Road to the Te Whareorahi Reserve, then stare into the dark and distant north-eastern sky and wait for Matariki to rise just above the horizon Huddle around the burning braziers while you do

Changed for all time

“Come along and have your attitude, your mind, your understanding changed for all time,” said Paula Gaelic, one of the collaborative community partners organising the service Then there will be hot chocolate, kai (food), whanau and friends and a

Updateyour listing inthelocal

Community Directory now!

The Katikati Lions Club is busy updating its Community Directory and invites anyone who would like their contact details listed or updated within the upcoming 2025/2026 edition to get in touch with the club

Katikati Lions Club president Trevor Burgess said last year the organising team of the directory had to cull a heap of listings due to numbers being unanswered or disconnected.

“Many people are switching from landlines to mobiles these days – so please contact us to update your listing.”

Burgess said many residents don’t realise they can have more than one listing in the directory “You can have both your mobile

number and your landline appear if you would like. And for new residents to town, or those who have started a new business, there is an option to place adverts and/or listings in the directory”

To update or add a listing, drop your details at Katch Katikati, Katikati Community Centre or email them to katikatilionsdirectory@gmail.com.

Burgess said the sooner people update their details, the better “Please get them in by the end of this month.”

After it is published, the Community Directory – which is a fundraiser by Lions to support local causes – will be delivered to all letterboxes in the Katikati district later this year

Marae tonight Photo / Merle Cave

whole new year to build on “For us, and Matariki, there’s no better feeling,” said Winder-Murray Katikati’s significant Ulster connection will be recognised at the dawn service A time for bringing together, with the Ambassador of Ireland to New Zealand, Jane Connelly, to follow the light trail across the Park Rd reserve for the dawn service There will be a karakia and cultural explanations of Matariki “An event worth coming together for,” said Winder-Murray *A free Park-and-Ride service will operate from Katikati Primary School to the Park Rd reserve from 5am onwards Hunter Wells

Regional council will get new chair

Come October, Toi Moana – Bay of Plenty Regional Council will have a new person leading the organisation, with chair Doug Leeder not seeking re-election this year

Leeder, who made the announcement this month, joined Bay of Plenty Regional Council in 2013 following 12 years serving as a councillor at Ōpōtiki District Council and 20 years in corporate governance in the dairy industry

Starting his career in the police force, Leeder has held many governance roles. He is director of the Port of Tauranga Ltd and is an independent committee chair at the Māori Land Court. He also runs a dairy farm in Ōpōtiki.

Leeder had also been chair of the Local Government Regional Sector Group. “I’ve really enjoyed my time in local government – it’s very dynamic and rewarding It’s a critical time for local government and a good time to pass the baton to the next generation of leadership ”

The upcoming local body elections will be held on October 11, 2025. Candidate nominations open July 4 and close August 1. Voting documents will be posted out September 9, and voting opens Voting closes at 12 noon on October 11, with preliminary results following. More information about the elections is available at www.boprc.govt. nz/elections

A proud Pewee TewhakaaraMatangi – Katikati’s ‘Reading o the Stars’ event is coming home to his Te Rereatukahia

Hands-on environmental lessons for students

“Wolly Nightshade is poisonous and takes over all the good plants,” said Katikati Primary Year 6 student Ekam Randhawa, flanked by classmates Purv Patel and Ayanvir Baidwan.

“We need to get rid of it carefully because it is bad to touch and can make people allergic ”

The 10-year-olds were among 45 Katikati primary students mucking in at their school gully on June 10 as part of the nature-based programme Treasuring Our Place / Taonga o te Taiao

The Year 5-6 students are becoming kaitiaki (guardians) of their school gully Te Awaawa by participating in the programme, which is administered by Western Bay Museum and run by environmental educator Tammy Bruce who teaches them the importance of environmental protection and ‘bugs, bush and birds’. The programme is a community collaboration, with Renaturing Katikati, the urban arm of project Parore, also helping out

Katikati News photographer Brydie Thompson caught the students, teachers and volunteers in action identifying and weeding pest plants, and installing a ruru (morepork) nesting box.

Katikati Priimaary Y Yeaar 6 sttuddentts E Ekam Randdhawaa, Purv Patel l and Ayanvir Baidwan, all aged 10, think “Wolly Nightshade is poisonous and takes over all the good plants”.

Katikati Primary Year 6 student Thea Willett, 10, digging out tubers.

Katikati Primary Year 5 student Korbun Clark, aged nine, deep in the school gully called Te Awaawa.

Katikati Primary Year 6 Hannah Cross, aged 10, cleaning up.

Western Bay Museum manager Paulla Gaellic, with a ruru (morepork) nesting box – built by her husband Merv – being installed behind her by volunteers Dave Smith and Barry Pethybridge

Hume Fun Run/Walk returns for 2025

With “such an incredible” turnout at the 2024 Hume Fun Run/Walk, the decision has been made to hold the event again this year

Hume Pack-N-Cool organised a free fun run/walk for the Katikati community to give back to those that have supported it during the years and to mark is 40-year milestone. The turnout was incredible: a sea of blue took to the streets to run or walk the 5km and 10km event. “For 40 years, the local community has supported Hume and we want to continue this event to ensure that we celebrate and give back to the special people of the local community,” said CEO Simon

Bowker So, the Hume Fun Run/ Walk is back by popular demand for 2025.

Run or shine

On July 5, no matter what the winter weather brings, more than 400 participants, of all ages and abilities, will choose to dress up in blue and enjoy the free community, family-friendly event.

Hume wants this to be about getting out with the local community and giving it a go, it is also a great school holiday activity for the kids.

Entries are open for 5km and 10km run/walks Both courses will utilise the scenic George Vesey Stewart Park and Kati Kaiway

Reserve pathways.

The 10km will follow a new route that runs along Beach Rd and does a loop of the Tamawhariua Reserve/Foreshore walkway Participants will enjoy passing by kiwifruit orchards and the Hume Pack-N-Cool site where they’ll be greeted by cheering supporters. Participants are asked to bring a koha/donation to

support the Katikati Christian Foodbank. “The foodbank can only function because of the amazing generosity of people in our local community and your efforts are part of this,” said a Katikati Foodbank representative 30 parcels

At least $1000 per week is spent to keep the shed stocked, with about three-

quarters through monetary donations and the rest through donations of groceries and produce

The foodbank averages around 30 food parcels a week, feeding about 92 people from all walks of life in Katikati

So, lace up those shoes, start your training and register for free here: https://www humepack co nz/fun-run

Western Bay ofPlenty district rates to rise8.92%on average

Western Bay of Plenty District

Council has set its direction for this year ’ s rates – with an average increase of 8.92%.

This remains below the 10.13 % average rate increase originally forecast in the council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034

Western BOP councillors, at last week’s annual plan and long-term plan committee meeting, agreed to the revised figure ahead of the annual plan being formally adopted on June 26.

The updated figure follows earlier indications of a possible 7.42% increase, after taking account of initial savings and reduced interest and inflation rates

However, financial prudence called for further adjustments, including rebuilding

reserves, addressing lower-than-expected revenue in the regulatory space, necessary additional investment in water services, and settling weathertight claims.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said the agreed approach reflects a careful balance between affordability for ratepayers, financial prudence, and continuing to deliver the services and infrastructure that communities rely on.

“This continues to be a very challenging economic environment – for households and for councils,” Denyer said.

“We know any increase adds pressure for ratepayers, and we ’ ve been very mindful of that in our decisions But the reality is we ’ re facing unavoidable cost pressures – and at the same time, we need to keep investing in the essential services, infrastructure, and resilience our

communities rely on

“That’s why we ’ ve taken a very deliberate, line-by-line approach to the budget –prioritising what matters most, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, and delivering value for every dollar spent ”

Back in February, Western Bay of Plenty councillors agreed not to consult on this year ’ s annual plan, because no significant or material changes to the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 were proposed and the focus remained on delivering what was already planned

While the revised 8.92% rates increase is higher than the earlier 7.42% indication, it remains below the 10.13% forecast in the long-term plan, and does not trigger a requirement for community consultation, said the council in a statement.

“Council remains focused on delivering

key projects – with progress planned this year on the Minden Lookout, staged delivery of the Tahawai and Beach Rd concept plans, early work on the Dave Hume Pool upgrade, and major ongoing improvements across the Ōmokoroa and Te Puke roading networks ”

Denyer said: “We’ll continue to focus on the projects, services, and outcomes that make a real difference for our communities”.

The final annual plan will be formally adopted by the council on June 26

For more information, visit: www westernbay.govt nz/council/plans-policiesstrategies-bylaws/plans/annual-plans/ annualplan2025-26.

Watch the annual plan and long-term plan committee meeting at: www.youtube.com/ live/ObtLrSRdcBQ

The fun run/walk will be taking place on July 5, no matter what winter has in store.

The fun run/walk had an ‘incredible’ turnout last year Photos / Supplied

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HOME SELLERS GUIDE

When is the best time to sell my house?

There are lots of factors that can determine if now is the right time to sell, so researching your market is crucial.

The best time to sell your house depends on where we are in the market cycle, the season and, of course, the reason why you are selling Why do you want to sell your house?

There are lots of reasons Kiwis choose to put their home on the market to sell: outgrowing their current property, a change in life circumstance or even just a desire to move to somewhere new Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Moving jobs If you’re climbing the career ladder, you may need to move for job opportunities If it’s a permanent relocation, it might make sense to sell your existing home and buy afresh in the new location

• Getting married or remarried If you’re tying the knot, your living arrangements might be changing. With re-marriages in particular and blended families, people often need a bigger home for all the children. Starting or growing a family The home that suits you as a single or childless couple might be very different from a family home suitable for children Starting a family is often the catalyst to move from an apartment or flat to a home with a garden near good schools.

• Downsizing Once the children have flown the nest, parents sometimes

want to move into a smaller home. This could be to release equity stored in the property or to reduce the maintenance and upkeep required.

• Approaching retirement Planning for retirement might involve moving to a new location or buying a lower maintenance home.

• Releasing equity. People sometimes downsize to unlock some of the capital in a home to live on in retirement. What is the best season to sell your house?

Spring is traditionally the best season to sell a house. That’s not to say that other seasons don’t work With fewer properties on the market in autumn and winter, the competition is reduced and buyers may not be able to wait Make sure you understand local real estate market conditions before making a decision. Whatever the season, take the time to prepare your home for sale so it looks its best.

Spring: Spring is a good season to sell your home. With the weather warming up, there’s more sunlight, and gardens spring to life, a home can be more appealing to buyers. On the other hand, if there are more properties on the market, buyers might be more picky

Summer: Homes look good in summer when the days are longer and there’s more natural light While buyers might be preoccupied in the run-up to Christmas, they often start the new year with the desire to move and have more time for house hunting. Baches and cribs sell particularly well in the summer Potential buyers often browse real estate agents’ windows where they are staying at holiday homes Always make sure you keep plants and lawns watered during the summer marketing period.

Autumn: In autumn buyers are often motivated to get into their new home

before winter There is a certain charm in falling leaves, providing you keep your gutters, garden and paths clear and clean. In slow markets, the number of properties hanging over on the market from spring and summer may increase, which means more competition.

Winter: The great advantage of winter is the lack of competition Real estate agents will have fewer properties on their books, so be keen to sell their listings Buyers who need to move have a smaller pool of properties to choose from The properties that sell best in winter are those with good natural light and great insulation If the property is dark or damp, winter is likely to accentuate that

What is the property cycle?

How the property cycle affects timing Property markets go in cycles according to supply and demand Think of it as a clock with the boom at 12pm, followed by a slide at 3pm, the bottom at 6pm, a rising/hot market at 9pm and back to the top of the market at 12pm If you don’t need to sell within a certain timeframe, you might want to wait for the boom It is, however, notoriously difficult to time the top of the market If you’re rebuying in the same market, then timing the sale isn’t as important

Buyer’s and seller’s markets Buyer’s and seller’s markets are about supply and demand. A buyer’s market is one where the number of properties for sale exceeds buyers. Buyers may be able to negotiate hard in this situation. In a seller’s market there are fewer properties for sale This means buyers are competing and may bid property prices up.

How long does it take to sell your house?

Just how long it’s going to take to sell your home depends on a number of factors including time of the year, whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, and the sales

method you use. The REINZ monthly property report records the median number of days to sell a property by a real estate agent This is typically between 30 and 40 days, with some regional differences It takes time to prepare a property for sale, which is not included in these figures

Preparing a house for sale

Preparing a house for sale can take months. Even once you’re ready to list, expect to spend a month choosing an agent, signing a listing agreement, having the property staged, getting photos and videos taken, and marketing material prepared. Once the signboard is up, the marketing period is usually four to six weeks If the home is listed for negotiation or a deadline sale it can be sold at any time from day one. If it’s being sold by auction or tender, the sale will mostly take place at the end of the marketing period, providing there is a buyer Once the sale and purchase agreement is signed and the offer goes unconditional, a typical settlement period before the money changes hands and the keys are handed over is three to six weeks The common factors that affect speed of sale include the desirability of the home and the area, availability of mortgages, property condition, price, method of sale, whether it’s a buyer’s or a seller’s market, the number of properties on the market, and any issues the buyer’s lawyer finds with the LIM (land information memorandum) or property title.

How to sell your house quickly

If you want to sell your home more quickly take these steps:

• Declutter and clean the home

• Choose an agent quickly

• Price it competitively to meet the market

• Stage it and market it to appeal to a wide range of buyers, and

• Set a short settlement period